The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced the implementation of a brand new Commonplace Working Process (SOP) regulating courier firms working below the Delivered Responsibility Paid (DDP) Incoterm.
The Comptroller-Common of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, introduced the event in a press release issued on Monday by the Service’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada.
Underneath the brand new SOP, courier firms desiring to function below the DDP regime are actually required to acquire a licence from the NCS Headquarters Licence and Allow Unit below the Tariff and Commerce Division.
Within the assertion, Maiwada stated the brand new SOP gives a unified regulatory framework masking registration, manifest submission, declaration, valuation, clearance, supply and compliance monitoring, in keeping with world finest practices.
Based on him, operators should submit all necessary documentation, together with Company Affairs Fee (CAC) registration papers, legitimate courier licences, compliance bonds and a proper utility to function below the DDP framework.
Maiwada pressured that every one licensed operators are required to submit an Advance Digital Manifest (AEM) at the very least 24 hours earlier than cargo arrival.
“It’s pertinent to notice that every one licenced operators are required to submit an Advance Digital Manifest (AEM) 24 hours earlier than cargo arrival,” he stated.
He added that the manifest should clearly point out DDP because the Incoterm and embrace full cargo particulars.
“Clearly indicating DDP because the Incoterm and offering full particulars comparable to Harmonised System codes, merchandise descriptions, values, origins and consignees, in keeping with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Requirements,” he stated.
Underneath the SOP, courier firms are mandated to behave as declarants by submitting Single Items Declarations (SGDs) by way of the B’Odogwú platform, together with declared FOB values, supported by invoices, airway payments and packing lists.
Maiwada stated all customs duties, Worth Added Tax (VAT) and different statutory levies have to be totally paid by way of authorised NCS fee channels earlier than clearance.
“Moreover, risk-based cargo profiling will information inspections, with bodily examinations performed when discrepancies or high-risk indicators are recognized,” he stated.
“Supply to the consignee is permitted solely after full clearance and Proof of Supply (POD) have to be offered upon request.”
To make sure strict compliance, Maiwada stated the NCS has instituted sturdy monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, together with periodic Submit-Clearance Audits (PCA).
He defined that the audits would confirm the accuracy of DDP declarations, stop income leakages and guarantee compliance with classification and valuation requirements.
Based on him, violations comparable to false declarations, non-payment of duties or operational misconduct will entice sanctions.
He stated these embrace suspension or revocation of clearance licences, seizure of products, {financial} penalties with curiosity, and prosecution below the NCS Act, 2023.
Courier operators are additionally required to submit month-to-month studies of all DDP shipments, detailing responsibility funds, classification and supply data, to the related Space Instructions.
Maiwada famous that the DDP initiative is anchored on ICC Incoterms 2020 and related provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
He added that it’s additional guided by the WCO SAFE Framework of Requirements, the Revised Kyoto Conference, the WTO Commerce Facilitation Bargain, the NCS Courier Clearance Tips, and the Nigeria Postal Service Act 2023.
“With this graduation, the NCS reaffirms its dedication to strengthening the integrity of the clearance course of,” he stated.
“Enhancing income assurance, facilitating reputable commerce and guaranteeing that courier operations below the DDP regime meet the very best world compliance requirements.”
Final week, the Apapa Space Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) introduced a income assortment of N2.93 trillion in 2025, representing a 24.32% improve in comparison with its 2024 efficiency.
The Command had generated N2.36 trillion in 2024, representing a rise of N573.29 billion.